Thailand Welcomes Indians for 60-Day Visa-Free Stay Plus Extension

Thailand Welcomes Indians: 60-Day Visa-Free Stay Plus Extension

Thailand has long been a favorite getaway for Indian travelers, known for its stunning beaches, vibrant street life, and unforgettable food. Now, visiting the Land of Smiles just got even easier for Indian passport holders. As of 2024, Thailand offers a 60-day visa-free stay for Indian tourists, with the option to extend for another 30 days. Whether you’re planning a spiritual journey, a foodie adventure, or a prolonged workcation in a tropical paradise, here’s what you need to know about this new policy, and why it is a game-changer for Indian tourists.

The New Visa-Free Policy: What’s Changed?

Previously, Indian visitors to Thailand relied on a 15 or 30-day visa on arrival or visa-exempt entry. But with the updated visa-free scheme in place, Indians can now enter Thailand without a visa and stay for up to 60 days. For those who want even more time, there’s a straightforward process to extend the stay by another 30 days, giving tourists a potential total of 90 days in the country.

Key Points:

• 60 days visa-free for Indian passport holders on tourism visits
• Extension available: Apply for an additional 30 days (fees and conditions apply)
• No consulate/embassy application needed: Just arrive with your passport, onward/return ticket, and proof of funds
• Applies across all Thai international airports, land borders, and seaports

Why Did Thailand Make This Move?

India is Thailand’s fourth-largest tourism source market, and travel between the two countries is booming. By extending a generous visa-free entry policy to Indian travelers, Thailand aims to boost tourism, encourage longer holidays, and strengthen its ties with one of Asia’s most dynamic nations. For Indian tourists, it’s the green light to plan bigger, bolder adventures across Thailand without sweating the paperwork.

How to Enter Thailand on the New Visa-Free Scheme

Indian tourists don’t need to pre-apply for a visa to benefit from this new policy. Here’s what you should prepare:

• A valid Indian passport (minimum 6 months' validity from date of entry)
• Proof of onward or return travel from Thailand
• Proof of sufficient funds (as required by Thai authorities, typically around 20,000 THB per person to show, though rarely strictly checked for tourists)
• Confirmed accommodation booking for at least part of your stay

When you arrive at a Thai airport, land border, or seaport, simply present your documents at the immigration counter. Your passport will be stamped for a 60-day visa-free visit.

How to Extend Your Stay in Thailand (Plus 30 Days)

If you want to stay beyond 60 days, you can apply to extend your tourist stay for 30 more days. The process is straightforward, and thousands of long-stay visitors do it every year.

Where to apply:

Head to any Thai immigration office before your 60 days are up. Popular immigration offices in tourist areas are in Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Phuket, and Pattaya.

What you need:

• Your passport
• Application form TM.7 (provided at the immigration office)
• 1 passport-sized photo
• Extension fee: 1,900 Thai Baht (cash only)
• Proof of ongoing travel and accommodation

Processing is usually completed within a few hours, and you’ll get a 30-day stamp extension in your passport. This extension is at the discretion of immigration officers, but most genuine tourists are approved without issue.

What Can You Do on a 60 or 90 Day Thai Holiday?

With up to three months, Indian visitors can truly experience the best that Thailand offers:

• Island hopping from Phuket to Krabi, Koh Samui, or Koh Phi Phi
• Exploring Bangkok’s dynamic Khao San Road and offbeat neighborhoods
• Diving into Northern gems like Chiang Mai’s ancient temples and art scene (Chiang Mai vs Chiang Rai, choose your adventure)
• Chasing waterfalls and hiking in some of the best national parks in Thailand
• Immersing in local life through food, markets, and festivals

Need inspiration for trip planning? Check out the Top 10 provinces tourists love in Thailand and the best activities to do in Bangkok.

Important Visa Tips and Reminders

• Overstaying is taken seriously. Don’t overstay your visa-free period or the extension, as penalties can include fines or even bans.
• Not for work or business: The visa-free entry is strictly for tourism. If you wish to work, volunteer, or study, obtain the correct visa prior to travel.
• Single-entry only: If you leave Thailand and return, the visa-free stay restarts but can’t be “stacked” for continuous long-term visa-free living.
• Check for public holidays when immigration offices may be closed if you plan to extend your stay near the expiry date.

Traveling to Thailand from India: Airlines and Routes

There are direct flights from most major Indian cities, Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Chennai, and Kolkata, to Bangkok, Phuket, and Chiang Mai. Airlines like Thai Airways, Air India, IndiGo, and SpiceJet offer frequent connections. This, combined with the new visa-free access, means hassle-free travel across Thailand for all types of Indian travelers.

If you’re landing at Suvarnabhumi Airport in Bangkok, getting into the city is seamless via Airport Rail Link, taxis, or private transfers. Many visitors also head directly to other parts of Thailand from the airport, thanks to a robust domestic flight network.

Why Visit Thailand Now?

• More time to explore and fall in love with Thailand’s diversity
• No visa application delays, fees, or paperwork stress
• Perfect for remote workers and long-stay digital nomads
• Extended stays for family holidays, luxury escapes, or wellness retreats
• Lowest travel barriers ever for Indian citizens

Key takeaways

• Indian travelers can now enjoy 60 days visa-free stay in Thailand, plus a 30-day extension
• Simple arrival process: no pre-approved visa needed
• Extending your stay is easy through Thai immigration offices
• Explore more, plan more purposeful trips, and experience the real Thailand
• Always respect overstay rules to avoid fines or penalties